"A broad spectrum of potential challenges and threats to our national security is now being formed in the Arctic. Therefore, one of the defense ministry's priorities is to develop military infrastructure in this zone," Shoigu told senior defense officials.

An inter-service joint strategic command of the (Navy's) Northern Fleet was set up last December to control troops and coordinate their efforts to protect the national interests, he said. "Forces have been permanently deployed in certain islands to monitor the situation and provide air defense and have already started their mission," the minister added.